Suspect wanted by India arrested on gun charges in Canada: report

Published November 14, 2024 Updated November 14, 2024 01:17pm
Sikh protesters attack an effigy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi outside of the Consulate General of India, days after Canada expelled six Indian diplomats including the high commissioner, linking them to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader and alleging a broader effort to target Indian dissidents in Canada, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on October 18. — Reuters/File
Sikh protesters attack an effigy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi outside of the Consulate General of India, days after Canada expelled six Indian diplomats including the high commissioner, linking them to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader and alleging a broader effort to target Indian dissidents in Canada, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on October 18. — Reuters/File

A man wanted for murder in India, who is also an alleged associate of a prominent Canadian Khalistan activist, has been arrested in Canada on gun charges, a local broadcaster said on Wednesday.

Arshdeep Singh Gill, 28, was one of two men arrested in late October in Milton, Ontario and charged with the illegal discharging of a firearm after showing up at a local hospital, CTV News said.

One of the two suspects was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound during an apparent shooting in the area, which local police are now investigating, according to a police statement.

CTV said Gill and the other suspect, Gurjant Singh, remain in custody pending a bail hearing that has yet to be scheduled.

Reached by AFP, the Halton Regional Police Service declined to comment.

According to a January 2023 Indian Ministry of Home Affairs notice, Gill is wanted on suspicion of murder, extortion, the smuggling of large quantities of drugs and weapons, and terror financing.

He is also described in the document cited by CTV and seen by AFP as having been “very close” to Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a naturalised Canadian citizen and prominent Khalistan campaigner who was killed in Vancouver in 2023.

Ottawa has accused India of orchestrating Nijjar’s murder, and linked a broader campaign targeting Canadian Sikh activists to the highest levels of India’s government.

India has dismissed the allegations, which have sent diplomatic relations into freefall, with both nations last month expelling the other’s ambassador and other senior diplomats.

Canada is home to the largest Sikh community outside of India, and includes activists for “Khalistan”, a separatist movement seeking an independent state for the religious minority carved out of Indian territory.

Any support for the Khalistan movement within India today, which dates back to the country’s 1947 independence, faces a swift crackdown.

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.